A Coin with Two Sides: Role-Playing Games as Symbolic Devices

Abstract

 Role-playing games (RPGs) undeniably possess common elements with rituals and myths. The study of these elements remains a timely issue because it unveils the possibility of archetypal engagement. However, it is often overlooked that rituals and myths are fundamentally the two possible exegeses of the symbol. In this work, I propose a new perspective to study these features in RPGs by drawing ideas from philosophy and departing from the concept of RPGs as symbolic devices. Here, a symbol is understood both as an archetypal figure and as a special type of object characterized by its autonomy, synthetic power, and tautegoricity, i.e., the identity between meaning and being. Under this perspective, I revisit RPG ritual aspects, such as the magic circle, liminality, and collective immersion. 

A particular advantage of the symbolic standpoint is that we can integrate these elements into a broader scope, as philosophy reveals a deep kinship between symbols, art, and organisms, areas that otherwise would seem unrelated. Thus, RPGs cannot be merely reduced to either rituals or myths. Instead, they constitute a perfect combination (undifferentiated balance) of mythic narrative and ritual interpretation, organic and autonomous objects we create to connect ourselves to our cultural roots. This proposal aims to develop a complementary theoretical approach that paves the way in the current understanding of how RPG players interact with the archetypal domain, not only in the psychic, social, and cultural realms but also in the religious and metaphysical ones. Also, this research aims to explore RPGs as apt tools that profoundly transform our subjectivities and re-enchant our worlds with new mythologies.